UNIDOS was started in 1996 as a group of volunteers committed to helping Latina survivors of domestic violence access local services. The organization started as a result of social action research conducted with migrant farm worker communities in central WI between 1994 and 1996. This early research indicated that, although domestic violence (DV) was a serious problem within the Latino migrant and immigrant community, local DV services did not have the resources to work with this group of abused women. Staff from local agencies needed assistance to learn about Latino culture and how the problem of domestic violence was uniquely experienced by our community. To that end, UNIDOS has become a leader around the state as a resource for training and technical assistance to a variety of agencies around the state working with abused Latinas. Since 2006, in areas where local DV service providers cannot meet the needs of Latina survivors due to a shortage of staff or other resources, UNIDOS Outreach Advocates now offer direct services to help survivors obtain restraining orders, other health and social services, and offer support.

In 2001, UNIDOS Against Domestic Violence became a 501©3, not-for-profit agency. At that time we had a staff of 1.5, with a full time Program Coordinator and a part-time Administrative Assistant. Today, UNIDOS works in 22 counties with a staff of 11 full-time employees and 2 part-time contract employees. We receive funding from the Department of Health and Family Services, the Office of Justice Assistance, Wisconsin Partnerships for a Healthy Future, A Fund for Women (in Madison), and the Bremer Foundation. Also, in addition to private donations, we are proud members of Community Shares of Wisconsin.